La Union Lass Wins Miss Diamond of the World 2016

Rosario, La Union – A proud daughter of La Union was crowned as this year’s Miss Diamond World, a global pageant held in Algiers City, Algeria on October 6.

Christine Joy Picardal, 22, and a freelance model whose parents are from the towns of Aringay and Rosario in La Union bested a total of 17 representatives from other nations such as Brazil, United States of America, Turkey, and host-country Algeria.

Miss Diamond World, dubbed as the first international beauty contest of Algeria, only started last year which makes Picardal the second winner in the history of the pageant.

“It’s not really the crown that infatuates me now, it’s the warmth and the love I’ve been receiving from my co-candidates since Day 1,” Picardal wrote on her official Facebook account.

Many have sent their congratulatory messages to Picardal and one of them is Milton Salinas, her handler and stylist.

“Madaming pinagdaanan si Tine. I am so happy and proud of her,” said Salinas.

He also shared that his team accompanied Picardal in Dubai for a week to prepare her for the competition before she left alone for for Algeria.

Salinas also shared that what made her “anak-anakan” grabbed the most coveted title was because of her wit, confidence, and aura.

After winning the crown, Picardal said her first activity was to have a special visit to Berlitz School, one of the best English schools in Algeria for less fortunate students, where she gave some advice on how the students can boost their confidence.

Before joining the international pageant, Picardal has joined in various local beauty competitions like Miss La Union, Miss Baguio, and Miss Limgas na Pangasinan.

She has also appeared as a talent in some shows of a television network.

Miss Romania and Miss Russia won first runner up and second runner up, respectively.

Meanwhile, the newly crowned Miss Diamond of the World is expected to arrive for her homecoming at the end of October. (JNPD/PIA-1)